India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to take in the history, culture, and natural beauty of the country. Yet getting into India can be difficult; you need to apply for an India visa in order to visit, and filling out your application correctly can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. This guide will walk you through how to Apply for Tourist Visa for India and answer all your questions along the way.
Collect All The Necessary Documents
Applying for a tourist visa in India requires you to have some documents at hand before you even begin. The requirement varies depending on your country of origin, but typically you’ll need your passport (ideally with more than six months of validity remaining), a completed application form, and supporting documentation. Be prepared to provide other proof of information as requested, such as your health insurance policy, bank statements, and contact details. In addition, if required, you may be asked to provide confirmation that you have booked return or onward travel out of India at an approved travel agent. If all documentation is in order, pay fees associated with applying for an Indian visa and wait.
Know Where You Stand In The Queue
Before you can begin applying for your India visa, it’s essential that you understand where you stand in relation to other applicants. The application process has been streamlined somewhat since 2010, but unfortunately, India does not have an online visa application system. This means there’s always room for error and sometimes it may take a couple of attempts before your tourist visa is approved. If your first application is rejected, don’t worry too much; re-apply straight away and include as much extra information as possible—it could be that you need to provide some additional paperwork or evidence. What’s also important is finding out how many people are already in front of you in line; sometimes knowing how many people are ahead of you will help with patience! India Visa Application for Tourist
Having A Valid Passport Is The Key
In order to apply for an India visa, you must have a valid passport that is not due to expire within 6 months of your trip. You also need at least two blank pages and several recent passport photos. The photo requirements are very specific—in fact, if you don’t follow them exactly, your application will be rejected automatically. So check out our guide on how to get Indian visa photos taken correctly here. Also, keep in mind that India requires visas from all visitors except citizens of Bhutan and Nepal. If you are planning to visit India for tourism or business purposes, read on to learn about how to apply for a tourist visa for India online.
Being Accommodating Goes A Long Way
If you’re traveling on a tourist visa, you might have to fill out an application form at your nearest Indian consulate or embassy. Some consulates require that applicants make appointments and that they show up in person. If you aren’t able to do these things because of work or travel schedules, don’t fret; India is generally accommodating when it comes to tourist visas. In most cases, all you’ll need is proof of financial solvency, an itinerary for your trip, and written permission from your home country’s government if it’s not one of India’s visa-on-arrival countries.
Arrive Early For The Interview
Even if you don’t speak any of India’s languages and have never been on its soil, it is absolutely essential that you show up to your visa interview early. And by early, we mean a full hour before your scheduled appointment. There are many reasons why you should show up early and one of them is simple: India will be dealing with thousands of applicants at these events and if things get hectic, there may not be enough time or personnel in place to take care of everyone. The last thing you want is for delays on your end to cause similar delays for others who are trying to obtain their visas.